Horn-only mounts?

[Ag111]

Headed to RSA for a PG hunt in May and am working on my Taxidermy plan. I have low ceilings in my house and the Mrs isn’t big on European mounts with the skulls. For my North American animals I typically do a simple antler/horn mount on a small plaque. Does anyone do this for African trophies? Is this “frowned upon” by PHs or others? It isn’t a money thing, more about what we like in our home on the walls.

Targeted species are Kudu, Water buck, Zebra, Gemsbok, wildebeest.

I would still plan to get a Warthog (European mount) and Zebra rug if I am lucky enough.

Appreciate your feedback and comments (positive or negative).

 

[Ryan]

While it's not very common, I have seen a couple sets of kudu horns with just the skull cap covered in felt or leather. I also recall a set of roan horns like that on wall in Namibia. I can't say if it's "frowned upon" but I can say it's not their call, it's yours. Heck, I've heard of folks just bringing pictures home, so trophies are your choice. Check out the taxidermists site your outfitter recommends for dip and pack, ask them if the do skull cap and horns on a plaque.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I would not do the Zebra skull (my opinion) and if you do a Zebra make sure they use heavy material, I did a Zebra back skin to hang on the wall and they used the lightest junk felt on it that I had to attach the hide thru the skin into the wall to hang it. I do not see why you should not do it, I will do that if I get something very special next month as I don't have room either.

 

[Mauser3000]

I would do whatever you want to do. If there’s a chance this is your only trip, I would get taxidermy done however you like. With that said, I think simpler mounts can look tasteful if that’s what you’re asking. For example, here’s a few kudu in Larry Kelly’s office at magnaport international. Photo is from American Handgunner article by Tank Hoover.

 

[Sabre]

It is not the most common choice. However, it has been done. Most importantly, you should display your hunting memories in the way that is most pleasing to you, and your wife. I hope you have a great hunt, good luck!

 

[Sabre]

I would not do the Zebra skull (my opinion) and if you do a Zebra make sure they use heavy material, I did a Zebra back skin to hang on the wall and they used the lightest junk felt on it that I had to attach the hide thru the skin into the wall to hang it. I do not see why you should not do it, I will do that if I get something very special next month as I don't have room either.

Why don't you like the Zebra skull? I think based on what he said he would just be doing a rug anyway. But I'm curious why you advised against a zebra skull?

 

[Red Leg]

A skull cap was something of the classic way to do African taxidermy at the turn of the 19th century. Many hunters use that form today as well.

Here are two Edwardian mounts and two modern ones in the same style. Any competent taxidermist would be happy to do these.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

Why don't you like the Zebra skull? I think based on what he said he would just be doing a rug anyway. But I'm curious why you advised against a zebra skull?

I do not know why but it just does not appeal to me

 

[Rubberhead]

I kind-of regret not getting my zebra skull done. I should have at least taken a good photo of the fang in his upper jaw between the molars and incisors. (I didn't know they had that until the PH showed me).

The warthog will require an additional permit to import. I just got the tusks so avoided that.

I still don't know what I'm going to do with the wildebeest hide but I've got my zebra done as a tapestry.

The impala and wildebeest are just euro mounts - I really don't have a lot of taxidermy - I've always done mostly just photos.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Back when I was young cap mounts were the in thing. I prefer mine with pleated velvet.

 

[Sabre]

I do not know why but it just does not appeal to me

That’s fair, I like them.

I kind-of regret not getting my zebra skull done. I should have at least taken a good photo of the fang in his upper jaw between the molars and incisors. (I didn't know they had that until the PH showed me).

The warthog will require an additional permit to import. I just got the tusks so avoided that.

I still don't know what I'm going to do with the wildebeest hide but I've got my zebra done as a tapestry.

The impala and wildebeest are just euro mounts - I really don't have a lot of taxidermy - I've always done mostly just photos.

View attachment 670766

I got my zebra skull done. The PH thought it wasn’t worth doing a zebra skull but I think they are interesting and the stallions typically have fangs on the upper and lower jaw. Everyone that sees it comments on it. It’s interesting and different.

 

[Martin77]

You do whatever you want and what your space allows. There are many different things you can do to display your trophies. Go on some taxidermy websites and look at their ideas. I use Splitting Image Taxidermy in South Africa and they have a good website with different ideas.

 

[Rubberhead]

I got my zebra skull done. The PH thought it wasn’t worth doing a zebra skull but I think they are interesting and the stallions typically have fangs on the upper and lower jaw. Everyone that sees it comments on it. It’s interesting and different.

My PH and the tracker told me to get the Zerba skull done. They were both right.

 

[Bandera]

I have seen some carved Zebra skulls that made a very interesting trophy.

 

[Luminous Ham]

I personally think a zebra hide can look a bit zilly so plan to do this when I get mine, perhaps especially good for low ceilings: https://www.forsythart.com/products/sterling-silver-framed-zebra-hide